Should the clutch be released after shifting to first gear when pulling over?
2 Answers
When pulling over and shifting to first gear, the clutch should be released. Here is relevant information: 1. Pay attention to the following areas where pulling over is not allowed: intersections, railway crossings, curves, narrow roads, narrow bridges, steep slopes, tunnels, and sections within 20 meters of these locations. Parking is also prohibited in areas with sidewalk barriers (hedges), crosswalks, construction zones, and opposite obstacles. Additionally, no parking is allowed in front of bus stops, tram stops, emergency stations, gas stations, fire hydrants, or fire stations, as well as within 30 meters of these locations. 2. Key points to note: When pulling over, the distance between the vehicle body and the outer edge line should be within 30cm. If the distance is too large, the left side may cross the line, and if it's too small, the right wheel may cross the line. You can align the raised part of the windshield wiper or one-third of the hood with the outer edge line and then attempt to park. It's important to note that when pulling over, don't just focus on the front; also check the rearview mirror to ensure the vehicle is parallel to the edge line.
After shifting to first gear when parking, should you release the clutch? It depends. As an experienced manual driver, when I pull over for a short stop—like waiting a few seconds for a friend—I keep the clutch partially depressed with first gear engaged to prevent rolling, allowing quick restart by just releasing the foot brake. For longer stops, like at red lights, I shift to neutral, release the clutch, and engage the handbrake to rest my left foot and reduce clutch wear. Holding the clutch down too long risks overheating and costly repairs. On slopes, extra caution is wise. Developing smart parking habits keeps your car stable and saves future repair headaches.
